Use of Animals in Addiction Treatment
The battle to overcome addiction requires unwavering commitment and a desire to live a good and clean life. The treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction typically begins with pharmaceuticals and focuses on identifying and treating the source of the addiction. Patients are likely to encounter several types of therapies while seeking treatment, including behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, and 12-step programs. While it is true that many medical institutes and rehab facilities utilize these basic treatment methods, some traditional methods can also help patients in their quest to overcome addiction. An agitated mind can be soothed and relaxed using these non-traditional therapeutic methods. Many healthcare professionals use holistic therapies to treat addiction, such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and art therapy. Others apply animal-assisted therapies.
Forms of AAT (Animal Assisted Therapy)
The National Association of Social Workers describes two ways in which animals are used in therapy.
- Pet Therapy
This type of program entails volunteers transporting their well-trained and gentle animals to various places, such as hospitals and schools. Our mission is to comfort people who suffer from a life-threatening illness or have undergone complicated surgery. Pet therapy is easy to understand and provides the satisfaction of touching and being around an animal in a happy environment. In addition to reducing stress, this kind of therapy encourages the production of neurotransmitters and hormones that contribute to the maintenance of emotional stability and physical well-being.
- Animal-Assisted Therapy
Based on the recommendations of social workers, therapists, and counselors, this technique includes the animal in the therapeutic process. Equine-assisted therapy (horses) and canine-assisted therapy (dogs) are the two most popular forms of animal-assisted therapy.
Benefits of Using Animals in Therapy
There is an extraordinary bond between pets and their owners. People tend to feel good when they are around their pets, so they use animal-assisted therapy. Numerous studies have shown that pets positively affect our thoughts and can aid in rehabilitation.Here are some reasons why dogs can be a good way to help with addiction recovery:
- Animals Provide a Sense of Responsibility
If someone develops an addiction, the first issue to address is their unwillingness to take any responsibility, however small. Pets are living creatures who require nothing but affection, and your responsibility to take care of them. Regarding pets, addicts understand that they have a responsibility to care for something that isn’t about them, and the experience can allow them to focus on something other than themselves.
- Emotional Balance
Animals indeed respond to our feelings rather than our actions. The presence of animals who recognize and respond to emotions could help patients control their reactions so that they coincide with the animal’s emotional needs rather than their own.
Mallard Lake Detox Center is Here to Help.
Do you want to begin your recovery journey with your pet by bringing it with you? You may rest confident that our staff will go above and above to make you and your pet feel at ease. Please visit or call Mallard Lake Detox Center for more information.
